Taylor Swift and Kanye West

Written by Rebecca Isenhart, a senior at Columbia High School in East Greenbush:

Kanye West is known as widely for his attitude as his music. Mention his name anywhere and you are bound to hear about his latest temper tantrum. Although most of us doubted it was possible, last night on the Video Music Awards Kanye reached a new low.

Later in the ceremony, Beyonce won Video of the Year for Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It). Nice one, Kanye. Not only was his latest stunt shockingly rude, it turned out to be unnecessary.

In the middle of Taylor Swift’s first-ever VMA acceptance speech, the rap artist actually had the nerve to take the microphone from the 19 year old artist’s hand to announce his opinion that Beyonce should have won the award for Best Female Video. The audience was definitely not impressed. And Kanye shouldn’t have been surprised – awards are decided by viewer votes.

Taylor Swift handled the incident with impressive composure. Beyonce responded with class, generously inviting Taylor back to the stage to finish her acceptance speech instead of reciting her own. The audience gave Taylor Swift a standing ovation and showed Kanye their disapproval by booing him enthusiastically every chance they got for the rest of the VMAs.

Kanye later posted an apology to Taylor on his blog.

Too little, too late?

What do you think about Kanye? Does he insult people for publicity or is he just tripping over his ego? Does his behavior make you think twice about buying his music?

32 Responses

I honestly hope someone at sometime does that to him when or if he gets the chance to accept the same award. Maybe someone will come and grab his microphone and tell the world that Chris Browns video was much better! What a jerk he was to steal Taylors moment of glory!!!

This guy is a jerk. He could be the best artist on earth and I wouldn’t buy or listen to anything he did. He was a jerk during the Hurricane Katrina special a few years back and he hasn’t gotten any smarter. It’s sad that’s the only way he can get in the lime light. Grow up!!!

Unfortunately, he has to be a typical big shot music artist and steal the lime light from rising stars. When reading his apology, I came to the conclusion that it was irrevocably not sincere. I believe that not only should a public apology be made in Taylor’s name but a personal heart-felt apology to Taylor would be the best course of action.

Nicely said, Becca! I think it’s a little bit of both–publicity and ego. I’ve never been a fan of Kanye to begin with, but gosh what an idiot! I’d boo at anyone hatin’ on Taylor Swift and I think I’ll stick to buying her music =]

Well written! I feel awful for Taylor Swift, and was truely shocked by Kanye’s behavior! Sometimes you really have to wonder where he learned his manners from… I hope in the future he thinks before he speaks, and I know for a fact that next time I hear a Kanye song on the radio- I will be changing the station.

His whole “apology” makes me laugh. For one, this “apology” is to the fans, MTV, and his friends. So where’s “I’m sorry Taylor”? He should be apologizing repeatidly to her for such horrible behavior, whether it be in a blog, press conference, or a personal call to her. The little respect for him I had, is now gone thanks to his outburst.

Yes, it was insensitive, arrogant, rude, boorish etc… but Kanye’s antics made for good television, and it certainly didn’t hurt Taylor Swift’s image. What would have been a forgettable “Thank-You” speech became a memorable moment and is sure to increase Swift’s fan base.

Becca, very well reported! I watched this last night and to be honest, I wasn’t surprised. Kanye will be Kanye!.. I guess this is why America has freedom of speech, so the idiots of our country can prove to everyone just how dumb they really are!… Although Kanye was outrageously rude, it will not stop me from listening to his music. He is a great artist, as for a great human being… Debatable..

Kanye West is an arrogant, self-centered man. The sad part is that in his mind he probably thought that he was acting selflessly. Not only did he humiliate Taylor, who is one of the sweetest people in the music industry, he also humiliated Beyonce, who clearly did not support or condone his antics. Taylor clearly demonstrated class and grace, handling the moment with much more maturity than Kanye could ever dream. And that apology disgusts me. A true apology should be more than a rant written in all capital letters, but should show true remorse and regret for what he had done. Also, the way he still defended his actions show his true colors.
The one positive to come out of this situation is all the support that Taylor is receiving, not only from her fans and peers but also from many others in the entertainment industry.

My heart goes out to Taylor Swift and Beyonce – both were unwilling participants and victims of Kanye West’s poor behavior. Taylor Swift is our age and has already accomplished so much. This was her time to shine and Kanye stole that from her. Beyonce, a consummate professional, was even taken aback by his behavior. Kanye needs to grow up and get some manners. He owes both Taylor and Beyonce a proper apology….and not just an afterthought in his blog. Didn’t his mother ever tell him to “think before you speak”?

If this was merely a stunt for publicity, on both sides of this story, then I’m very disappointed in our society. We’ve resorted to putting other people down, being selfish, rude, and obnoxious just to have people talking about a certain something. I find it absolutely ridiculous that Kanye would put himself in such a bad position as this just for the very small positive outcome he could receive.

Ok, I will say it. If that was an African American on stage and a white person did that, they would say it was racist!! Al Sharpton and his cronies would have been all over this one!
The viewers chose Taylor. She should have had her moment as anyone should. WHOMEVER the viewers choose, that is who wins!!!
Beyonce’ is a classy lady for sharing her moment with Taylor!!

I agree that Kayne was out of line for rudely interrupting Taylor Swift especially for such a negative comment. However, this did make for interesting media, and Taylor’s fame has certainly been boosted. This moment will be remembered and peoples’ opinions for Kayne have been negatively changed. Karma will play its part and Kayne will get what he deserves back.

Hahaha is right, Kayne does have a big ego and it’s one he can’t keep to himself. Ruining Taylor Swift’s moment on the VMAs was terrible for his appeal. He may have thought Beyonce should have won the award but that doesn’t mean he has to come out and say it during Taylor’s Thank You speech. Keep it to yourself next time Mr. West.